A stone's throw from the stunning shores of Cardiff and many of California's best surf spots, Union Kitchen & Tap - Encinitas is a neighborhood-friendly, community-oriented venue located in North County, San Diego. Stylish but not stuffy, this location offers an intimate yet open environment boasting three separate dining areas, a lively main bar and comfortable seating with reclaimed wood accents and modern furnishings.
Union's classic American menu made from fresh, local ingredients is perfectly paired with delicious craft cocktails, local brews, a popular beer list and vintage wines for an all-around experience aimed to satisfy every customer. We pride ourselves on a culture complete with endless innovation, spirited personalities, local love and a customer-centric attitude.
Union's classic American menu made from fresh, local ingredients is perfectly paired with delicious craft cocktails, local brews, a popular beer list and vintage wines for an all-around experience aimed to satisfy every customer. We pride ourselves on a culture complete with endless innovation, spirited personalities, local love and a customer-centric attitude.
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San Diego Union Tribune Local restaurants celebrate Cinco de Mayo with food, drink specials. San Diego Union Tribune Easter dining guide: 76 San Diego County restaurants with breakfasts, brunches and more. Pacific Magazine Easter dining guide: 76 San Diego County restaurants with breakfasts, brunches and more.
Reviews (20)
Julie L.
Jan 31, 2022
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Tony D.
Jan 29, 2022
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Albie E.
Jan 28, 2022
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My friend and I were visiting Encinitas and found this place for dinner. There were four of us in the party and we decided to go to dinner here.
The ambiance was very nice and chill. The music and location was perfect for a night out or drinks/dinner with friends.
We ordered the roasted brussel sprouts, truffle fries and skillet cornbread to share. OMG I can tell you all the plates to share were amazing! The brussel spouts were delicious, the truffle fries were off the hook and the skillet cornbread was so good we ordered another skillet! The cornbread was moist and sweet almost like a pancake
The ambiance was very nice and chill. The music and location was perfect for a night out or drinks/dinner with friends.
We ordered the roasted brussel sprouts, truffle fries and skillet cornbread to share. OMG I can tell you all the plates to share were amazing! The brussel spouts were delicious, the truffle fries were off the hook and the skillet cornbread was so good we ordered another skillet! The cornbread was moist and sweet almost like a pancake
Michael C.
Jan 28, 2022
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My date and I came in last Tuesday a little before closing. Lisa Marie was behind the bar and came around to take our drink order. I'm a martini drinker and she not only made a perfect martini, but she knew it needed to be served with ice crystals on top. As she was pouring it, she grabbed a server to bring it right to me....perfect . Thanks for the perfect martini and great service.
Dina M.
Jan 21, 2022
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Just checked this spot out with my boyfriend and we loved it! Great location, cute decor, & great service. We had Justine as our waitress! She has excellent customer service and super kind, gave us great recommendations! As a vegetarian/pescatarian, there were some great vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian options for me which is typically hard to find at restaurants like that!
Detailed Food Review:
Shrimp & Grits-
8/10 Recommendation Breakdown
Grits * 5/10 I don't prefer my grits al dente (slightly undercooked) but some people have that preference so I'm my opinion it would have been
Detailed Food Review:
Shrimp & Grits-
8/10 Recommendation Breakdown
Grits * 5/10 I don't prefer my grits al dente (slightly undercooked) but some people have that preference so I'm my opinion it would have been
Matt B.
Jan 17, 2022
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Stopped by during our Sunday fun drive. We wanted to have a burger and a drink. Place was super busy but we were seated immediately, outside as we requested. Despite being busy service was excellent. Our drinks came quickly and our food came a while later, just enough time to enjoy our drinks. Burger was very tasty and the buffalo wings were meaty and had the right amount of kick. Shout out to Dylan, our server, who took great care of us. We'll be back for sure.
Heather W.
Jan 11, 2022
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Another case of the yelpers know whats up. Since I live down south, I'm extremely in the dark of the top food spots up in north county and really rely on what's highly rated on here. A win!
We've been doing a lot of day trips up in the area since getting membership to the SD Botanic Garden nearby and looking for some tasty yums after we leave heading back to SD. UNION was an easy choice. Parking in the area wasn't too bad and we found a spot in one of the pull in parking spaces on a neighboring street.
Sat on the patio and looked around at all the union burgers being served
We've been doing a lot of day trips up in the area since getting membership to the SD Botanic Garden nearby and looking for some tasty yums after we leave heading back to SD. UNION was an easy choice. Parking in the area wasn't too bad and we found a spot in one of the pull in parking spaces on a neighboring street.
Sat on the patio and looked around at all the union burgers being served
Hannah P.
Jan 09, 2022
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First time visiting Encinitas and Union did not disappoint! Great experience for brunch-I had the Purple Haze Mezcal drink, friends had the spicy Bloody Mary. Both were delicious. Breakfast flatbread was so good & same with the basket of fries. Basket was big enough to share for the table. Would love to come back!
Spandana M.
Jan 07, 2022
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Randomly stopped by on a Friday night and we were able to get a table outside right away. They have space heaters which were great! Our server was super on top of it and got us all our drinks very quick.
We were craving some greasy food and this place definitely did not disappoint. The Brussels sprouts were a hit! They were soaked in balsamic and charred and just overall amazing. The skillet cornbread also hit the spot and man that dollop of butter was so delicious. As you can tell...we indulged. The fries were just ok, nothing special about them.
Overall super happy with this place! They are
We were craving some greasy food and this place definitely did not disappoint. The Brussels sprouts were a hit! They were soaked in balsamic and charred and just overall amazing. The skillet cornbread also hit the spot and man that dollop of butter was so delicious. As you can tell...we indulged. The fries were just ok, nothing special about them.
Overall super happy with this place! They are
Kyle O.
Jan 02, 2022
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Tasty food and awesome service, what more could you ask for? We had a party of 7 + 2 kids and I've seen places that get overwhelmed with large parties but our server didn't blink an eye and everything was quick and attentive. Brunch menu was more limited on the breakfast side but what they did have to offer was great. The skillet cornbread was a hit for sure... highly recommended as a side or as a benedict. The green omelet surprisingly packed a punch of veggies and melted cheese and tons of avocado.
Marisa M.
Dec 06, 2021
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Such a cute spot in Encinitas for brunch! There is tons of street parking nearby, and reservations were super easy to make on opentable. They were able to accommodate us at an earlier time, and we ended up with a nice private spot on the (huge) back patio where normally I'd worry about being forgotten, but our lovely server checked on us often. They even brought water and some bacon strips for my pup. I really enjoyed my breakfast pizza, and especially appreciate that they were able to sub the meat out for avocado at no extra charge. Not every place is so vegetarian friendly. The mimosa was
Taylor C.
Nov 07, 2021
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Jeno-Mikael S.
Oct 19, 2021
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This place makes me wants move to Encinitas. Food so good I forgot to take a photo of it. The shrimp and grits took me to flavor town.
Flatbread was solid, and my friends vegan salad looks really good too.
This place is vibe. Come in & be nice to the regulars and the staff. Everyone there is to have a good time, enjoy some good food and brews. Come correct!! We loved our server too (blonde Madame that was dancing with us briefly when the DJ was warming up).
Coming back to Union soon!
Flatbread was solid, and my friends vegan salad looks really good too.
This place is vibe. Come in & be nice to the regulars and the staff. Everyone there is to have a good time, enjoy some good food and brews. Come correct!! We loved our server too (blonde Madame that was dancing with us briefly when the DJ was warming up).
Coming back to Union soon!
Samantha S.
Oct 08, 2021
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This place is such a great atmosphere. Not to
mention with Halloween and the month of October they decorated the whole place Halloween theme and it's amazing! Great atmosphere for date night or going out with friends! Very big and spacious and have TVs around to be able to watch games. Little fires areas to sit with and lots of heaters. Their drink menu is awesome and has a lot of choices to choose from. As well as their food menu they have lots of potions and portions are great! Really great place and will definitely make a regular date night place to come. Service was great and kind and
mention with Halloween and the month of October they decorated the whole place Halloween theme and it's amazing! Great atmosphere for date night or going out with friends! Very big and spacious and have TVs around to be able to watch games. Little fires areas to sit with and lots of heaters. Their drink menu is awesome and has a lot of choices to choose from. As well as their food menu they have lots of potions and portions are great! Really great place and will definitely make a regular date night place to come. Service was great and kind and
Promise Y.
Sep 13, 2021
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I'm officially a regular here! Always good food, drinks, and service.
Sadayoshi and I stopped in for tapas and drinks. The espresso martinis are the best. Foamy and delicious.
We also ordered shrimp and bacon tomato flatbread. Both were flavorful and nicely seasoned.
The staff is the best! We couldn't decide where to sit, and were politely shown all table options. Another delightful dining experience.
Sadayoshi and I stopped in for tapas and drinks. The espresso martinis are the best. Foamy and delicious.
We also ordered shrimp and bacon tomato flatbread. Both were flavorful and nicely seasoned.
The staff is the best! We couldn't decide where to sit, and were politely shown all table options. Another delightful dining experience.
Lorri D.
Aug 27, 2021
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Basically our usual stop when visiting friends in the area.
Chill vibe and fantastic food.
(you are NOT forgiven for getting rid of those Brussels Sprouts though)
Lemme start with this suggestion for you.... Sweet Potato Ravioli. YES!
So smooth and mouthwatering!! I get it minus the chicken.
I wanna tell you to love the shrimp and grits, but I can't exactly because I don't like having to dig the shrimp out with my fingers to pull the tails off. Other than that, it's also a tummy pleaser. The andouille is perfect, however. I do like just the side of cheesy grits alone though
Chill vibe and fantastic food.
(you are NOT forgiven for getting rid of those Brussels Sprouts though)
Lemme start with this suggestion for you.... Sweet Potato Ravioli. YES!
So smooth and mouthwatering!! I get it minus the chicken.
I wanna tell you to love the shrimp and grits, but I can't exactly because I don't like having to dig the shrimp out with my fingers to pull the tails off. Other than that, it's also a tummy pleaser. The andouille is perfect, however. I do like just the side of cheesy grits alone though
Laura L.
Jul 11, 2021
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This is in the strip of Encinitas with a ton of restaurants and shops. Parking was easy with a few spots behind the restaurant but also lots of street parking. We decided to sit outside because they had outdoor heaters for each table! Felt nice and warm.
1. Skillet Cornbread
5/5
This was a great appetizer to share among three people. It has a nice kick to it because of the jalapeno but also a sweetness to it because of the honey. Would highly recommend this one!
2. Truffle fries
4/5
Decently good truffle flavor and I liked that the fries were shoestring style. There's a good toppings to
1. Skillet Cornbread
5/5
This was a great appetizer to share among three people. It has a nice kick to it because of the jalapeno but also a sweetness to it because of the honey. Would highly recommend this one!
2. Truffle fries
4/5
Decently good truffle flavor and I liked that the fries were shoestring style. There's a good toppings to
Brian D.
Jun 29, 2021
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We were looking for a casual place to go with some family and landed at union where we could get a reservation and still sit outside. The service was great and timely. I had the gumbo and my fiancé had the bbq chicken flatbread. The gumbo had some great flavor and all the seasoning, chicken and sausage all came though. The staff did warn of some spice and it did deliver but just enough enhance the flavors. The bbq chicken flatbread was good. The chicken was cooked well and had all the flavors you would be looking for. A good reasonably price bar in a great beach town
Kim A.
May 22, 2021
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Alex A.
Dec 06, 2020
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Wow! Wow! Wow!
I can't stop raving about this place. San Diego always has good food especially brunch. After taking a stroll around the area and a nice safe beach walk. My "couple" friends decided to take me here for brunch.
Food:
Skillet Cornbread Eggs Benedict
Avocado Toast
Chicken & Waffles
Drinks:
Hard Kambucha
Beer
Mimosas
Honestly my plate which was the cornbread benedicts was honest the best thing on the menu. I also ordered avocado and bacon on the side. I wanted more but because I am "trying" to eat a little healthier I couldn't.
The kambucha since
I can't stop raving about this place. San Diego always has good food especially brunch. After taking a stroll around the area and a nice safe beach walk. My "couple" friends decided to take me here for brunch.
Food:
Skillet Cornbread Eggs Benedict
Avocado Toast
Chicken & Waffles
Drinks:
Hard Kambucha
Beer
Mimosas
Honestly my plate which was the cornbread benedicts was honest the best thing on the menu. I also ordered avocado and bacon on the side. I wanted more but because I am "trying" to eat a little healthier I couldn't.
The kambucha since
